Fibrous histiocytoma of the orofacial region in Nigerians: A retrospective review of 11 cases

Background: Fibrous histiocytoma (FH) is a rare tumor that may exhibit benign, borderline, or malignant features. It has a site predilection for the skin of the extremities. Occurrence in the orofacial area is very rare. Objective: This review highlights the clinic-epidemiologic characteristics of 11 patients with orofacial FH (OFH) diagnosed at a tertiary health facility Materials and Methods: All cases with a histological diagnosis of OFH seen at the oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic of a regional university teaching hospital in Nigeria between May 1995 and June 2016 were retrospectively studied. Data retrieved were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Findings from descriptive statistics were represented in the form of tables and charts. Results: Eleven patients were seen within the years reviewed, and the most common clinical presentation was jaw swelling. There were gender and site predilections for male individuals and mandible, respectively. Surgery was the main modality of treatment used and this consisted of maxillectomy (n = 1; 9.1%), mandibulectomy (n = 3; 27.3%), soft-tissue excision (n = 2; 18.2%), and a combination of jaw resection with soft-tissue excision (n = 1; 9.1%). Two patients (18.2%) presented with recurrence 1 year and 5 months postsurgery, respectively. Conclusions: OFH is rare. Early diagnosis and adequate margin of excision/resection at the first surgery is important in achieving control, and long-term follow-up remains the rule.